Making the Best of Problematic HCI Readings: Moving Licklider from Man- to Human-Computer Symbiosis

This paper addresses the challenge of discussing HCI readings in class that are somehow problematic. Specifically, we describe the motivation for changing Licklider's influential 1960 article, Man-Computer Symbiosis to Human-Computer Symbiosis, removing all gender-specific language from it, and using that version in the classroom. We then generalize this discussion to other forms of problems – for example, when articles contain outdated technology or ideas that have fallen into disregard or controversy. This research offers HCI educators concrete teaching suggestions for handling problematic readings.